Boating equipment
Marine pests can hitchhike on trailer boats, anchors, dive gear and equipment too
Wash and dry
Wash your boat and equipment (including anchor chains, paddles and fishing gear) with freshwater after use and allow to thoroughly air dry before using in a new location.
Exotic caulerpa
Exotic caulerpa is a highly invasive, non-native seaweed that’s mainly spread by people. We know it’s in parts of the Hauraki Gulf and Bay of Islands. Follow the guidance on this page to stop the spread.
Dispose of seaweed
Please remove any debris on equipment and anchor chains or by-catch material (including shellfish), store it safely and dispose of it on land. Never dispose of it at a new location.
Check before you move
Check your boat and equipment are clean before you move location. If not, clean it.
Soaking in fresh water works
Soaking gear in fresh water can be an effective way to kill marine pests. Regularly treat any internal seawater systems – flush with freshwater or an approved treatment.
Think about grey and black water
Dispose of sewage and bilge water at an approved pump out facility to keep water quality high and avoid accidentally discharging a marine pest
Real-life examples of exotic caulerpa snagged on anchors
If you find exotic caulerpa on your anchor or gear, bag it and bin it. Get more advice at biosecurity.govt.nz/caulerpa.
Photo credit Louise Clarke